Reversal News Desk,
OpenAI has signed a deal with US defense startup Anduril Industries to develop military artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
In a joint statement on Wednesday (December 4), the two companies cited the growing threat posed by emerging unmanned systems and conventional manned platforms to the security of the United States and its allies.
The strategic partnership will focus on developing “counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS)” and technologies capable of detecting and preventing real-time lethal attacks. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, it was said to have been signed at a “critical moment” in the AI competition against China as part of efforts to maintain US technological dominance.
The partnership brings together OpenAI, the world’s most valuable AI company, and top US defense startup Anduril, the British daily Independent reported. Anduril mainly makes military-grade drones, sensor towers and software that can detect and prevent enemy drones in advance.
OpenAI previously banned the use of its technology in military applications. But in January, it changed its policy to allow military cooperation. In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, OpenAI said that the technology jointly developed with Anduril will be used only for defense applications.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that his company will ensure that the new technology will help uphold the democratic values of the United States.
On the other hand, in November, OpenAI’s rival Anthropic signed agreements with Amazon and Palantir to provide AI services to the US Department of Defense. The partnerships indicate a growing relationship between big tech companies, conservative politics and military technology.
Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey is a Donald Trump supporter and is known to be close to Elon Musk. The partnership is expected to open up new horizons for AI technology in the military.
